Group opposes national flag campaign

A Maori rights advocacy group is against a campaign by a Northland Pakeha man to create a new national flag that represents all New Zealanders.

Te Ata Tino Toa was behind the push to create the red, white and black Tino Rangatiratanga flag in 1990.

But Northland artist Lester Hall is asking people to consider the idea of creating a brand new national flag that would unite all people.

Te Ata Tino Toa spokesperson Te Ao Pritchard said that during a national consultation about a flag a few years ago, most Maori supported having the Tino Rangatiratanga flag because it reinforces Maori as tangata whenua, which was also supported by the younger generation.

She said the rangatahi responded by saying that the Maori sovereignty flag is a symbol that they easily identify with as being Maori.

Ms Pritchard said although people are entitled to debate the idea of creating a new national flag, it is not something her group is willing to support.